Classification of Natural Communities

The classification of the natural communities of Massachusetts provides a basis for discussing and conserving the diversity of our types of natural communities and the species they support.

Details

This classification divides natural community types into three major sections:

• Terrestrial
• Palustrine
• Estuarine

The preferred citation for the 2020 edition of the Classification of Natural Communities of Massachusetts is:

Swain, P.C. 2020. Classification of the Natural Communities of Massachusetts. Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Westborough, MA.

• Classification of the Natural Communities of Massachusetts
• Terrestrial, Palustrine, and Estuarine Community Types
• NHESP Priority Natural Communities
• The Key to the Natural Communities, in the Classification of Natural Communities of Massachusetts, 2020
• Natural Community Field Forms, including summary and plot data forms